Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry

Name: Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 cup carrots, julienned; 1 small onion, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar; 1/4 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Highlighted under: Cultural Kitchen Discoveries

Cooking Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry has become one of my favorite weeknight meals. The vibrant colors and irresistible aromas fill my kitchen, making the cooking process as joyful as enjoying the finished dish. I love how quickly it comes together, especially after a busy day. Plus, the balance of sweet and tangy flavors with tender chicken and crisp vegetables hits just the right spot! It’s a fun way to introduce a variety of textures and tastes into a quick meal that everyone loves.

Created by

Sophia

Last updated on 2026-02-07T20:46:28.015Z

When I first tried making Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry at home, I was amazed by how much better it tasted than takeout! I realized that using fresh ingredients and customizing the sauce made all the difference. For a twist, I sometimes incorporate pineapple, which adds an extra layer of sweetness and texture. The key is to have everything prepped and ready to go before you start cooking, as the stir-frying process is swift!

One trick I've learned is to ensure your pan is hot enough before adding the chicken. This helps achieve that lovely caramelization and seals in moisture. I also recommend not overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming rather than frying. Trust me, these small adjustments make a significant impact on the final dish!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Crisp vegetables add a delightful crunch.
Quick to make, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Choosing the Right Chicken

When it comes to making Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry, selecting the right chicken is crucial for achieving that tender bite. I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their quick cooking time and lean profile. However, if you prefer darker meat, boneless thighs will add more moisture and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time by a couple of minutes to ensure they are cooked through and any excess fat is rendered.

For the perfect bite-sized pieces, cut your chicken into uniform chunks. This ensures even cooking and allows each piece to soak up the sweet and sour sauce beautifully. If you find your chicken pieces are sticking to the skillet, consider using a little extra oil and avoiding overcrowding the pan, which can lower the temperature and lead to steaming instead of sautéing.

Perfecting the Sweet and Sour Sauce

The sweet and sour sauce in this recipe strikes a delightful balance between tangy and sweet flavors, making it the star of the dish. The apple cider vinegar gives it a crucial acidity, while the brown sugar balances it with sweetness. You can even experiment with different vinegars; rice vinegar works well if you're looking for a milder flavor, whereas white vinegar is more acidic and should be used sparingly.

To ensure your sauce thickens properly, mix the cornstarch thoroughly with water until it's completely dissolved before adding it to the sauce mix. This step is crucial; if the cornstarch clumps, the sauce may not thicken evenly. Cook the combined mixture just until it’s glossy and thickened to avoid an overly sticky texture. Keep an eye on the sauce as it simmers, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

For a complete meal, serve your Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry over a bed of fluffy steamed rice or toss it with noodles for a delicious twist. I enjoy garnishing mine with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added crunch and flavor, which can elevate the visual appeal as well. If you like some heat, a sprinkling of crushed red pepper flakes adds a nice kick without overpowering the sweet and sour profile.

If you can't finish the stir-fry in one sitting, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the texture of the chicken and vegetables. If you're looking to make this dish ahead of time, consider pre-chopping your vegetables and protein, keeping them stored separately. Just combine and stir-fry them with the sauce when you’re ready to eat.

Ingredients

For the stir-fry

1 lb (450g) boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 bell pepper, diced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup carrots, julienned
1 small onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced

For the sweet and sour sauce

1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

Prepare the sauce

In a bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and set aside.

Cook the chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Stir-fry the vegetables

In the same skillet, add bell pepper, broccoli, carrots, onion, and garlic. Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.

Combine everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour the sweet and sour sauce over the mixture. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened.

Serve

Serve the Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, marinate the chicken in a bit of soy sauce and garlic before cooking. You can substitute the veggies based on your preference or what you have on hand.

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize this stir-fry with your favorite vegetables or seasonal produce to keep things exciting. Snow peas, snap peas, or even chunks of pineapple can add delightful textures and flavor contrasts. Just remember to add quicker-cooking vegetables later in the cooking process to keep them crisp and vibrant! You can also swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp for a vegetarian or seafood twist.

For additional complexity, consider marinating the chicken in soy sauce and a touch of garlic before cooking. This step infuses flavor and adds depth to your dish. If you enjoy a bit of spice, incorporate some fresh ginger or a splash of chili sauce into the sauce mixture for a fiery kick.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your chicken is overcooked and dry, try reducing the cooking time next time. Chicken breasts usually require about 5-7 minutes in a hot skillet to become tender and juicy; look for a golden-brown color as an indicator. If your sauce is too runny, allow it to simmer a bit longer to enhance the thickness, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Adding an extra teaspoon of cornstarch slurry can help, but do so sparingly to avoid a gluey texture.

If your vegetables are becoming mushy, remove them from the skillet while they're still crisp-tender. They will continue to cook slightly even after being removed from heat, so it’s better to undercook them just a bit than to risk a limp stir-fry. Always have your ingredients prepped and ready to go; stir-frying is a fast process that benefits from being quick and efficient.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables can be used in place of fresh ones; just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the stir-fry.

→ How can I make it gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and check that your cornstarch is gluten-free.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients and make the sauce in advance. Just cook everything right before serving for the best texture.

→ What sides go well with this dish?

Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or even quinoa for a healthy option.